Thinking about Rings

So, as my big, life changing move is approaching I've been thinking of ways my life is going to change.  One of my thought processes goes like this:

"I'm going to lose my insurance when I'm done with work.  I'll have the option to get on cobra.  I wonder how much that will costs?  I rarely get sick and wonder if I really need insurance?  That's a dumb question b/c the day I don't have insurance, my leg will fall off while my appedix is rupturing.  I need insurance.  Well... I could get on cobra for a while until Ryan proposes.  Once he does that, we can just go to the court house and get married but still plan the wedding we want, that way I can get on his insurance."

I completely realize I am a little crazy.  (Ryan knows this and is OK with it. :-))  All this crazy thought has landed on some conversations with Ryan about getting engaged.  He has been doing some reading and is really not interested in purchasing a diamond engagement ring for me.  He says that diamonds depreciate in value too fast.  (Of course as a woman who is in love with her man my response is, "why would we ever need to sell it?!?"  He started talking about if we ever went broke and needed to pawn it.  He's a little crazy too (which I know and I am OK with it  :-) ).)  

I started thinking about the concept of having a non-diamond engagement ring.  I originally thought about a blue sapphire.  The more I looked at the options I realized that everything reminds me of Princess Diana/Princess Kate's engagement ring.  That option is out!  They have white sapphires that look similar to diamonds but sparkle a different way.  They are waaayyyyy cheaper than a diamond.  I'm not sure if I want a diamond look-a-like.  I just wouldn't want people to think it's a diamond and then I come off as someone who wanted a diamond but got something else.  I might as well get a CZ.

I have found one that I can't stop looking at.  I'm not asking Ryan to buy this particular ring for me.  This ring is just a reference to what I think I like.   * http://store.offbeatbride.com/rings/non-diamond/peridot-checkboard-cushion-diamond-ring *

How many of you out there have thought about getting a non-diamond engagement ring?  How many of you have thought about getting a non-traditional engagement ring?  I'm feeling a little crazy right now (which I'm OK with! ;-) ).  How about I get some of your stories so I don't feel so nuts!!  Thanks!!!

Don't get me wrong... I don't need a big, expensive ring to know that I am loved. Ryan and I had a conversation while walking around Bed Bath and Beyond. I made a comment about how fun it will be when we get engaged and we can get all sorts of kitchen toys for our wedding! His response was, "we are not going to get married for the gifts. We're going to get married to be married." I love this man!!